Saturday's Letters to the Editor

| May 15, 2014

<b>Heath offers balance</b>

EDITOR: The Golden State where I grew up has become a semi-dictatorship because of the one-party rule that is now present in our state. It is time for a fresh, outsider perspective in a state Legislature that is dominated by one party. Counterbalance is needed to the North Coast's Democratic delegation.

The 2nd Assembly District deserves an independent representative who understands the needs of the North Coast and knows that the more government we have, the less freedom and opportunity we have. A healthy economic climate is what brings about growth and prosperity.

Matt Heath believes in the strength and work ethic of the constituents of the North Coast. He is committed to listening to their concerns and addressing their needs. His experience as a school board member and the owner of a small business makes him very aware of the needs of the average voter. Vote for Matt Heath on June 3 and help to bring balance back to the North Coast.

EDELWEISS GEARY

Santa Rosa

<b>A strong field</b>

EDITOR: We are blessed to have three outstanding candidates running in the 10th Assembly District. I heard all three speak, and I was blown away by their knowledge, quick wit and knowing the problems and having answers. I believe that Marc Levine has done a great job and deserves to be re-elected. Diana Conti and Erin Carlstrom are candidates I would definitely vote for if they run for an office in the future. They are too good not to be in public service and the political scene. Thanks to them for running. They add a lot of class to the campaign, and I look forward to the opportunity to vote for them in coming elections.

ROBERT H. SHERWOOD

Sonoma

<b>Wysocky report</b>

EDITOR: Mayor Scott Bartley's statement that "I say put it out there and let the public see" sounds good until you learn that a third of the report is blacked out. That the City Council has surfaced with a redacted report 20 days before an election involving Gary Wysocky seems less than transparent and more than a coincidence ("SR releases secrety Wysocky report," Wednesday).

It's appalling that an estimated $50,000 was spent investigating Wysocky's interaction with council members in the days following Andy Lopez's death. Should one be concerned that Bartley and other city employees felt "disrespected" by Wysocky's tough questions, loud voice and, perhaps derisive, tone? Should one care that City Attorney Caroline Fowler had previously raised her voice to Wysocky? I don't think so.

The paper recently described Wysocky's "work ethic and grasp of city finances as impressive" and said "he has a watchdog mentality about the public's money . . . . asks tough questions, and he doesn't settle for incomplete or misleading answers" ("County's books in good hands with Sundstrom," Editorial, April 27). Conversely, Councilwoman Robin Swinth calls for the council to receive training on harassment and discrimination, which don't apply here. Taxpayers will get the bill for the council to get some counseling.

Does Santa Rosa have more pressing concerns? Ask Wysocky about Santa Rosa's finances, budgets, debt obligations and schools, and you will get some transparency.

HARTLEY POND

Sebastopol

<b>Not guilty, not excused</b>

EDITOR: Imagine for a moment that Supervisor Efren Carrillo hadn't been charged with a crime, so there was no trial, but he was still completely forthcoming about the various scandals in which he's recently been involved. Solely on its own merits, would his behavior justify the calls for him to resign? Perhaps so.

I personally don't have strong feelings about Carrillo's abilities as a politician, and I do feel compassion about his personal problems. But he's acting like an 8-year-old who argues, "But I apologized. You can't take away my privileges if I say 'abracadabra.' "

Sometimes there are consequences even after you apologize sincerely — even when a jury has found you not guilty of a crime. By refusing to resign, and hoping that voters' memories will fade two years from now, Carrillo continues to show egotism, immaturity, and the intention to dodge consequences. Donald Sterling didn't a commit a crime either with his offensive comments, yet he's still banned for life from the NBA.

Do Carrillo's confession and apology magically make everything good again? Ask the women who armed themselves with kitchen knives against an intruder.